Treatment issues in multiple sclerosis in Latin America

Abstract

Treatment issues of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Latin America (LA) have recently been addressed. Some particular features of the health systems, patients and medical providers are scarcely described. Moreover, LA patients are rarely included in clinical trials; therefore, data collected from key opinion leaders (KOL) from LA, although unofficial, remain as a needed source of information. In a stand-alone gathering, organized by a pharmaceutical company, in Brazil 2014, according to ‘Compliance Program Guidance for Pharmaceutical Manufacturers', we surveyed the opinion of KOL in MS from 6 LA countries. Neurologists were selected and invited to the gathering based on their academic, research and clinical experience with MS patients and involvement as participants and speakers on regional events. A voluntary anonymous electronic survey was proposed in an interactive lecture (table 1). Important definitions were given previously without further discussion on the topic to avoid biased answers.